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Feed intake variation in crossbred lambs applied to livestock production

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 09:06 authored by Holman, BWB, Malau-Aduli, AEO
Spirulina supplementation, and lamb sire breed and sex effects were investigated using 24 lambs in a 3 x 4 x 2 balanced experimental design, representing: 3 sire breeds (Dorset, Merino, White Suffolk), 4 Spirulina levels (CONTROL, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH), and 2 sexes (ewes, wethers). Lambs were supplemented Spirulina daily and had ad libitum access to Lucerne hay. Daily consumption of Lucerne hay was monitored, with data transformed into feed models: residual feed intake, residual liveweight gain, standardised daily feed intake (SDFI), feed conversion ratio, daily feed intake (DFI). Spirulina level and sex were found to have no independent effects on lamb feed intake (P>0.05). Merino sired lambs feed intake was lower than their crossbred counterparts using SDFI and DFI values (P<0.023). And, Merino ewe lambs consumed more Lucerne hay than wethers (P<0.05). These findings could prove useful when balancing feed resources to match Spirulina supplementation and lamb breeding management goals.

Funding

Australian Wool Education Trust

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 10th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production

Pagination

1-3

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

American Society of Animal Science

Place of publication

Canada

Event title

10th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production

Event Venue

Vancouver, Canada

Date of Event (Start Date)

2014-08-17

Date of Event (End Date)

2014-08-22

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 the Authors

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Sheep for meat

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

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